The Wastes

Lore & Background

Despite its desolation, the Wastes are not entirely empty. They are home to hardy nomadic tribes who have adapted to survive where others would perish within hours. These people live in constant motion, following herds of strange, cold-adapted beasts and avoiding the deep crevasses that hide ancient dangers. For travelers from the south, crossing into the Wastes is often a one-way journey; the cold claims the unwary quickly, turning flesh to ice before they can reach safety.

Reader's Guide

The atmosphere of the Wastes is one of oppressive stillness broken by violent storms. It is a place where the laws of physics seem to bend under the weight of the cold, making travel treacherous even for seasoned adventurers. Its significance lies in its role as a boundary; it separates the known world from the unknown, often serving as a destination for those cast out by society or seeking to escape their pasts. The region is devoid of cities or structured governance, governed instead by the brutal laws of nature. Culturally, the few inhabitants who dwell here possess a unique resilience and a deep connection to the land, viewing the cold not as an enemy but as a constant companion. Magic in the Wastes behaves erratically; the ambient chill seems to dampen sympathetic magic, making it difficult for Sympathizers to draw power from the environment without risking their own life force.

Did You Know?

• The Wastes are often cited by scholars as the source of the 'Great Cold' that periodically sweeps down into Erill.
• Few travelers return from deep within the Wastes, leading many to believe it is inhabited by entities older than humanity.
• The region serves as a natural barrier that has historically protected southern kingdoms from northern invasions due to its lethality.